Parental Responsibility Solicitors

At Poole Alcock, we understand how important it is to be involved in your child’s life. Our experienced Parental Responsibility solicitors are here to provide clear, practical legal advice and support on all matters relating to Parental Responsibility (PR).

Whether you’re looking to establish PR, understand your rights, or resolve disputes regarding your parental role, we work closely with you to develop lasting legal solutions that protect your family’s future.

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Home » Divorce & Family » Child Custody And Child Law Solicitors » Parental Responsibility

What is Parental Responsibility?

Parental Responsibility is a legal term that refers to the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority a parent has in relation to their child and the child’s property. In practice, it means being able to make significant decisions about a child’s upbringing. These may include:

Where the child lives
What school they attend and their education
Medical treatments or procedures
Religious upbringing or practices

Only individuals with legal PR are entitled to participate in these decisions. If you are unsure whether you have PR or are experiencing difficulties exercising your rights, our specialist family law solicitors can help clarify your position and take appropriate legal action where needed.

Who has Parental Responsibility?

Understanding who holds Parental Responsibility can be complex, especially for unmarried parents or those in blended families. The law in England and Wales grants PR to:

All mothers, automatically at the birth of the child
Fathers, if:
- They were married to the mother at the time of birth
- They later marry the mother
- The child was born on or after 1st December 2003 and the father is named on the birth certificate
- They are named in a Child Arrangements Order as someone the child lives with or spends time with
- They have entered into a Parental Responsibility Agreement with the mother and registered it appropriately
- They have obtained PR through a court order

If you are unsure whether you have PR, or if you’re seeking to obtain it through agreement or court, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.

How can Poole Alcock help?

We provide tailored legal advice to ensure that your parental rights are recognised and respected. Our services include:

Assessing your legal status and advising whether you currently hold PR
Assisting with Parental Responsibility Agreements between parents
Applying for court orders to obtain or enforce PR
Resolving disputes where PR is being restricted or challenged
Supporting stepparents who wish to obtain PR

Our goal is always to promote the best interests of your child while making sure your voice is heard. We approach each case with empathy, discretion, and a clear focus on achieving positive outcomes.

FAQs on Parental Responsibility

Yes. PR is not dependent on where the child lives. You still have a right to be involved in key decisions about their life.

If parents with PR can’t agree, either party can apply to the court for a Specific Issue Order or Prohibited Steps Order to resolve the matter.

Yes, stepparents can acquire PR through agreement with the child’s parents or by applying for a court order.

No, not automatically. However, in certain circumstances, they can apply for a Child Arrangements Order and potentially acquire PR that way.

We can support you through the entire process, from preparing your application to representing you in court if necessary. Contact us for expert legal guidance.